From a20777cbdc39bdb2a610be0bff2527c5bedc5792 Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Furrtek Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2023 14:23:20 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 1/2] Update README.md --- README.md | 23 ++++++++++++----------- 1 file changed, 12 insertions(+), 11 deletions(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index 7731414..d52a20f 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -1,6 +1,6 @@ # PrecIR -Collection of tools, their source code and design files for communicating with **infrared based** Electronic Shelf Labels. +Collection of software and hardware tools, their source code and design files for communicating with **infrared based** Electronic Shelf Labels. See http://furrtek.free.fr/index.php?a=esl for more details. @@ -8,40 +8,41 @@ Thanks to [@david4599](https://github.com/david4599) for infos about color tags. ## Hardware -* ir_tx_serial: Simple DIY serial port transmitter, using an USB-serial cable. -* esl_blaster: Newer USB transmitter/remote. Build it yourself or buy it from [Tindie](https://www.tindie.com/products/furrtek/esl-blaster/). +* ir_tx_serial: Simple DIY serial port transmitter, requires an USB-serial adapter. +* esl_blaster: Compact USB transmitter/remote. Build it yourself or buy one from [Tindie](https://www.tindie.com/products/furrtek/esl-blaster/). ## Tools -* img2dm.py: Sends an image to a dot matrix ESL. Run without parameters for usage. +* img2dm.py: Sends an image to an e-paper ESL. Run without parameters for help. * rawcmd.py: Send arbitrary data to ESL. -* flashtest.py: Test tool to program remote control frame in ESL Blaster (more work needed...). - +* setsegs.py: Set display of segment ESL. +* flashtest.py: Test tool to program the remote control frames of the ESL Blaster (more work needed). * vb6: Windows GUI client and VB6 source (sorry). +* PriceHax: Android app, doubles as a barcode scanner for quick ESL updates. ## FAQ ***What can this be used for ?*** -To have fun experimenting with mass produced devices ! Compatible ESLs can be found on eBay, or sometimes from stores directly if dumpster diving is your thing. +To have fun experimenting with mass produced devices ! Compatible ESLs can be found on eBay, or directly from stores shelves ;) -The e-paper ones make cool badges :) +The e-paper ones can make cool badges: ![DM badge](dm.jpg) ***Which brands of ESLs are compatible ?*** -You'll have to guess from the picture. Hint: there's only one. +You'll have to guess from the picture and the page on my website. Hint: there's only one. ***Can my phone/tablet/handheld/IrDA-capable device work as a transmitter ?*** -No. The carrier is in the MHz range and the symbol timing must be very precise. IrDA controller limitation or OS latency makes it impossible. +No. The carrier is in the MHz range and the symbol timing must be very precise. IrDA controller limitations and OS latency makes it impossible. ***Can I change the display of all ESLs in a store at once ?*** No. For two reasons: * Unlike radio waves, optical communication must be line-of-sight. Even if the walls are painted white, reflections from an unique transmitter has no chance of reaching all of the hundreds or thousands of ESLs in a store. -* Each ESL has an unique address and must be specified individually to be updated, there's no known way to broadcast display updates. +* Each ESL has an unique address which must be specified in update commands. There's no known way to broadcast display updates. ***Is possession and use of such devices legal ?*** From 292ea28fb859245e08754e1a3ac8511c31306aeb Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001 From: Furrtek Date: Thu, 31 Aug 2023 22:55:06 +0200 Subject: [PATCH 2/2] Update README.md --- README.md | 2 +- 1 file changed, 1 insertion(+), 1 deletion(-) diff --git a/README.md b/README.md index d52a20f..57ae5d4 100644 --- a/README.md +++ b/README.md @@ -2,7 +2,7 @@ Collection of software and hardware tools, their source code and design files for communicating with **infrared based** Electronic Shelf Labels. -See http://furrtek.free.fr/index.php?a=esl for more details. +See http://furrtek.free.fr/index.php?a=esl for reverse-engineering of the system, the protocol and electronics. Thanks to [@david4599](https://github.com/david4599) for infos about color tags.